RPM160 Pod Kit by Smok

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RPM 5 & RPM 5 Pro Kit by Smok

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The Smok RPM160 Kit is the latest pod kit in the RPM range and the first ever dual 18650 battery sub ohm pod kit. Featuring a maximum output of 160W balance charging and a 0.96 inch colour TFT display.

A durable, solid and stylish box mod from Smok Capable of firing at up to 160W with massive power using either the RPM of RGC coils this kit can produce some serious clouds.

Featuring a beautiful full colour 0.96 inch TFT display with upgraded user interface powered by the groundbreaking IQ160 chipset which can fire as fast as 0.001 seconds and includes various safety features including balanced charging, short circuit protection, low battery warning, atomiser recognition, overheating protection, puff monitoring and 8 second cut off.

The included pods (1 for RGC Coils and 1 for RPM Coils) can hold 2ml of e-liquid and are easy to fill from the side which also reduces leaks.

Review

INTRODUCTION

Hello everybody, Josh here again with another in-depth review. This time it's yet again a pod kit from Smok! Just when you think there's no need for another, here we are again! We've already had the RPM40, RPM Pro, RPM Lite, Fetch and Fetch Pro with more latest pod kits being launched by the giant vaping company. Just like with mobile phones, pod systems took us to smaller devices only to start getting bigger again. Now with dual battery capabilities, is the RPM160 a step too far or have Smok yet again mastered another leap within the vaping industry?...

What's in the box:

• RPM160 Device
• RPM160 Pod (2ml)
• 2 x RPM160 Meshed 0.15ohm Coils
• Micro USB Charging Cable
• User Manual

Available Colours:

• Black Carbon Fibre
• Red Carbon Fibre
• Silver Carbon Fibre
• 7-Colour Carbon Fibre

Unboxing

Specifications

Capacity – 2ml (TPD Compliant)

Coil Resistance – PnP VM5 (0.2ohm) & VM6 (0.15ohm)

Output Wattage – 5W-160W

Battery Capacity – 2x 18650 Batteries (Not included)

Dimensions – 132x51.3x26.1mm (Including Tank)

Display - 0.96" TFT Colour Screen

Airflow - Non Adjustable Dual Slot Airflow

First Impressions

On first unboxing the RPM160 my first impressions were all over the place. The kit looks glorious whilst being massive for a pod kit! Although this is the case, the device as a whole is surprisingly sleek with additional faux carbon fibre panels. The overall build quality feels great, with a zinc alloy frame alongside a sleek and stylish metallic finish that seems it's made to last with minimal scratches however it is a fingerprint magnet if that bothers you.

One thing you may be disappointed with is the lack of a USB-C charging port on this one. Although stating this, the device is powered by dual 18650 batteries so I personally would prefer to only charge via a dedicated battery charger to make the most out of my batteries lifespan. (Read our battery safety blog). The battery door is easy to operate without the need for excessive tugging or pulling. This is especially great when it's a hotter day and grip is less optimal due to sweating.

The LCD on this device is similar to others Smok have created, which in my opinion is the greatest. Although all options are available including puff counter, individual battery charge and wattage setting; The display is not too bright which can make viewing slightly harder in bright daylight, however I tested in multiple environments and everything was clear to me. Although saying this, the screen fits beautifully within the device and creates a stylish sleek design throughout. Operation is what you'd expect however there are a lot;

• Fire Button 5 Times = On & Off
• Fire Button 3 Times – Lock Fire Button
• Right Button = Wattage Increase
• Left Button = Wattage Decrease
• Fire & Left Button = Reset Puff Count
• Left & Right Button = Lock Wattage

With these devices getting more complex each time round, I would advise giving the user manual a quick read for all shortcuts and information on firmware installations.

So the largest part seems to be holding up as a great new addition to the pod kit family, but how do the pod and coils hold up?...

POD & How It Vapes

The pod cartridge on the Smok RPM160 is held in place with two surprisingly strong magnets which holds things together tightly. There have been a few reports on the pod moving once refilled however I never experienced any problems regarding this. One thing to note is due to the magnets being so strong, removing the pod requires a solid pull. To re-insert the pod, simply click back into place with minimal effort. Unlike other pod kits out there, one major benefit to the RPM160 is the ability to refill without having to remove the pod, they definitely get extra credit for this one! In addition, Smok haven't gone overboard with the tinting on the pod this time round, allowing for your e-liquid level to be easily visible.

The kit comes with two 0.15ohm mesh coils straight out the box which Smok state are made from a honeycomb structure made of nickel-chrome to ensure heating evenly levelled whilst in turn creating a quicker fire. Smok have also stated their will be an RDTA pod coming soon however I'm unsure on when that will be.

Coil Review

The recommended wattage for the 0.15ohm coils included is 40W-90W with Smok recommended best usage around 70W-80W. After letting the coil soak up some premium Cherry Cola by Solid Vape I started my flavour journey at around 50W. At this range of wattage the vape was very cool with moderate flavour and cloud with obvious signs it could go a lot higher. I jumped to 80W and the flavour creation significantly improved. The cherry and cola fused to create an excellent flavour induced vape whilst also an obvious increase in cloud production.

After the 0.15ohm managing the chug its way through the higher VG liquid, I pushed the boundaries exceeding the recommended wattage. At 100W the RPM160 coped a lot better than I had expected, the flavour warmed up to a mouth watering flavour with a cool exhale. However, I wouldn't recommend pushing the boundaries too much as after a little while flavour will become burnt at times. The best advice I have is to stay within the recommended limits as you'll have a beautiful flavour induced vape with adequate cloud creation.

Refilling the Pod

• Pull out the rubber plug on the slot
• Add Your Favourite E-Liquid From Royal Flush Vape
• Press the rubber plug back carefully yet firmly

Final Thoughts

With the constant rise of pod kits now available on the market, Smok have really revolutionised a dual 18650 battery pod kit with a fair contender to the market. The performance of the RPM160 by Smok is undoubtedly superb. The 0.15ohm coils create excellent flavour throughout and withstand higher VG liquids very well.

Although I personally don't think this device is made for everyone, mainly not for a beginner vaper as there are many pod kits on the market aimed towards those starting out. For vaping enthusiasts, this device is definitely a new one to get hold of and play around with.

For a pod kit, this latest design from Smok is obviously a lot bigger and bulkier in area, therefore I don't think it will replace my Fetch pro anytime soon but if you're looking for an upgrade or want a bigger and more powerful pod kit, this could be the one you're looking for!

Review Scores

Battery Life: 5/5

Flavour: 4/5

Pod Capacity: 3/5

Design: 4/5

Pros

• Dual 18650 Batteries
• Comfortable to Hold
• Sturdy Device
• Adjustable Wattage
• Optional RTA Pod
• Good Flavour & Clouds
• Pocket Friendly Yet Bulky

Cons

• Fingerprint Magnet
• Non-Adjustable Airflow
• Pod Slightly Hard to Remove
• Non Removable Drip Tip

TL;DR: Dual 18650 Pod Kit Utilising 0.15ohm Mesh Coils And 0.96" TFT Colour Screen. Larger More Bulky Device for a Pod Kit but with That Comes a Lot More Power and Design. Excellent Upgrade for Those Wanting a Bigger Pod Kit.

And that wraps up this review on the Smok RPM160 pod kit. It's been a refreshing review to see something different on the market as I personally love testing out new things!

Is this the device for you?